The Top Tier :: Fencing as part of the bones of the garden or the backyard

Every garden or back yard needs fences to keep the world out and the dogs and kids in. Fences are the walls of your garden and deserve just as much attention to set the stage for the ambiance of your summer living space.
Perhaps nothing is more important to your outdoor living space than the fence that makes this space your own. Fences are the walls of your private outdoor world and deserve a lot of thought. They are a key part of the bone structure in any garden. Some people add mirrored windows. Some put up artwork. Some use their fences as the backdrop for vertical plantings, to support flower baskets or to create a living wall.
The six-foot wooden fence painted brown is so passé, especially when there are thousands of paint colours to choose from that might reflect your home and your personality more accurately. You can also dress up a boring fence with post finials or other inexpensive finishing.
The fence should reflect the style of your home and your own personal taste. Today, the sky is the limit in terms of possibility in product today.
Fencing is part of the bones of a garden
Wood
Wood, especially pressure treated wood, followed by western red cedar remains the number one product in building both fences and decks. And wood is used to build gazebos and arbours, bridges and even walkways. Nothing is more effective in creating a rustic look.
The pressure treated products of today can last 50 years and are now available impregnated with a copper-based product, which has replaced arsenic as a fungicide to keep down decay and deter insects. These wood products are more expensive than the old CCA wood products, which are made with chromated copper and arsenic, but many folks feel more comfortable with the newer product, especially if they have kids. Both the copper and arsenic can leech into the soil, but copper will not be reabsorbed by the body. If this is a concern to you, look for the letters ACQ or CA on treated wood.
Cedar, on the other hand, contains its own natural oils which help protect it from insects and fungi. Cedar will last about 25 years and perhaps longer if you treat it with stains or paint on a regular basis.
Paint is just one of the many ways to personalize a fence, even those inexpensive prefab wooden fences that are so popular today. These panels often have latticed tops and it is advisable to paint or stain them. Be sure to add fence caps to prevent warping or rotting. In some places, prefab fences with horizontal fence boards and roller coaster lattice tops are available.
PVC and Vinyl are popular fencing options
Homeowners of today’s super houses are leaning toward a more finished, sophisticated look to go with the style of their homes. New products such as vinyls and resin composites impart that clean, modern look.
These products have added advantages.
First among these is their very long life span. It is said that you would have to replace your wooden fence a half dozen times before you need to replace a vinyl fence. Vinyl fences are also very easy care, requiring just a wash down with a hose to renew their pristine look. Vinyls and resins won’t crack or rot and really don’t need painting, although there are ways to paint these products if you are looking for a change of décor. Vinyl is also recyclable.
Another plus is the many different designs available in vinyl products. There are a huge number of options, including faux stone, iron and wood. But the typical shining white structure is what catches many eyes and there are arbours, pergolas, gates and lamp standards in vinyl to complement your fence.
Glass and other interesting options
Iron is still the luxury standard in many minds, because of its versatility and beauty of design. It is also expensive and requires painting and frequent maintenance.
Glass and aluminum fences are popular around pools and decks. Keeping it clean is an issue, so glass is generally used sparingly in locations where shelter is wanted without obscuring sightlines.
A fantastic fence can be made of wood finished in stucco to look like a wall. This method of fencing creates a Mediterranean elegance to a back yard, especially when paired with a paved courtyard, and it gives the space a warmth, even in winter.
Beautiful prefab concrete fences are also available. They are durable and long lasting. They provide security, privacy and are an effective wind screen. Concrete fences can be finished in many ways including with inlaid designs. They can also be coloured.
Bamboo is making an appearance in Canadian gardens. It is impervious to rot and imparts an exotic touch.
And let us not forget the utilitarian but versatile chain link which can be dressed up in many ways, including by covering them with Engleman’s ivy or Virginia creeper or with the addition of vinyl ribbons run through the links to provide privacy.
Today, the traditional stone or brick fence and gate posts are falling from favour due to cost and maintenance and the fact that many yards are smaller than they once were. Still, for a period home, it’s an option that bears keeping in mind.
Gates
Gates can be the highlight of the garden, providing a dramatic entranceway to your private kingdom. A dramatic gate also adds mystery and romance to your home from the streetside.
When choosing a gate (or a fence, for that matter), think of the lines of your home, including the shape of windows and other features. The goal should be to achieve harmony.
You can add elegance and beauty simply by installing a driveway gate to a large property. Combined with concrete fences, imposing gates scream importance, while ensuring you have enhanced privacy and protection for you home and family.
Gates can be part of a pergola, sheltered by an arbour or a trellis, or they can just be a bit of whimsy. Many of the prefab fences offer ornamental companion gates and there are some stunning selections in vinyl.